discipleship

June 22, 2026

The Book of the Twelve – Joel

Joel 1–3 (Hebrew 1–4)

Joel writes his prophecy to the southern kingdom of Judah, in order to expose Israel’s covenant unfaithfulness, using the illustration of the locust plague, to warn Israel against future judgment in the coming day of the LORD, so that they will repent, turn to the LORD, and be restored. 

The LORD had big plans for Israel. They were His seghola. His treasured possession. They were to be a kingdom of priests for the nations. The LORD had so much good He wanted to do for them. If they would only listen to His voice, keep His covenant, and follow His commands. They would experience all the blessings of the covenant He had made with them. He would bring them into the land. He would be an Enemy to their enemies and an Adversary to their adversaries. He would fight for them. And they would live securely in the land in peace. They would be a spectacle to the world for all the good that the LORD did for them. He would be their God, and they would be His people.

Unfortunately, they did not listen to His voice. They did not keep His covenant. They did not follow His commands. And so, the LORD, being true to His word, has brought the curses of the covenant on them in the form of the plague of locusts. But there’s still time to repent before things get worse. Before the LORD drives them out of the land. Before He becomes their Enemy. Before the day of the LORD comes, and they become a different kind of spectacle…a horror and a curse…to the world for all the evil that the LORD does to them. If only they would turn back to the LORD.

Maybe that’s where you are today. You’ve strayed far from the LORD. Maybe intentionally. Maybe it’s been a slow drift. But here you are. I think most of us have been there at some point. So, what do you do? It reminds me of the prodigal son. Stuck in the muck. Longing to eat what the pigs are eating. That’s pretty low. But then he came to his senses and remembered his Father’s house, and he turned to come back. And he discovered the most beautifully unexpected thing. The Father had been waiting for him all along and met him with open arms, celebrating His son who had been lost and now was found. That’s just like the LORD, “compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and faithfulness, relenting of evil, who knows whether He might turn and relent and leave a blessing instead?”

If you don’t know the LORD, you can come to know Him today. It’s as simple as recognizing that you are a sinner in need of a Savior and believing that Jesus is the Savior whom God promised. He lived a perfect life and died a sacrificial death. He was raised to life on the third day, proving that He had conquered both sin and death, so that by believing in Him, you can be saved—not because of anything that you have done, but because of what Jesus did. The Innocent who died for the guilty so that the guilty could be declared innocent.

pro rege

This post is based on a sermon from our Book of the Twelve series. Download the podcast at: Central Christian Church Main Service, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X or Threads: @ccclancaster. You can also download our Central Christian app in the iTunes App Store.

June 15, 2026

The Book of the Twelve – Hosea Part 2

Hosea 4:1–14:9

Hosea writes his prophecy to the northern kingdom of Israel, pronouncing judgment against her for her covenant unfaithfulness, committing spiritual adultery through her idolatry, which she refuses to repent of, yet because of the LORD’s love for her and His covenant faithfulness, He will redeem and restore her.

One thing is extremely clear. Israel has been unfaithful to the LORD. Chief among her sins is her idolatry. They’ve broken the first and greatest commandment. You shall have no other gods before Me. Israel was to be the LORD’s seghola. His treasured possession. They were to be His people, and He was to be their God. He had so much that He wanted to do for them. He wanted to bless them. To give them life, if they would only obey Him. If they would keep His covenant. If they would trust Him. And yet they failed. Miserably.

We said this last week, but it bears repeating. In fact, we will be reminded of this throughout this series.

Though Israel is unfaithful, the LORD is always faithful to His covenant promises to both Abraham and David. So, although He will bring judgment on Israel for their rebellion against Him, He will also restore them. Because He is the LORD. “The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and faithfulness; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression, and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.”

This should serve as both a warning and a comfort to us. The LORD takes sin seriously. And so should we. Sin always carries consequences. Yet the LORD’s lovingkindnesses never cease. He will discipline His children, but He does so as a loving Father who is conforming us to the image of His Son. A painful process, but one that’s for our good. Of course, that’s if you know the LORD. If you don’t, your sin carries very different consequences.

The good news is you can come to know the LORD today. It’s as simple as recognizing that you are a sinner in need of a Savior and believing that Jesus is the Savior whom God promised. He lived a perfect life and died a sacrificial death. He was raised to life on the third day, proving that He had conquered both sin and death, so that by believing in Him, we can be saved—not because of anything that we have done, but because of what Jesus did. The Innocent who died for the guilty so that the guilty could be declared innocent.

pro rege

This post is based on a sermon from our Book of the Twelve series. Download the podcast at: Central Christian Church Main Service, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X or Threads: @ccclancaster. You can also download our Central Christian app in the iTunes App Store.

June 1, 2026

The Building of the Tabernacle

Exodus 35–40

The tabernacle is built with all its trappings, including the ark of the covenant (the lid of the ark is the mercy seat where the LORD will meet with Moses), the table of showbread, the golden lampstand, the bronze altar, the garments for the priests, the sacrifices, and the altar of incense according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, according to the pattern given to him on the mountain. A shadow of the heavenly tabernacle. And a foreshadowing of what’s to come when the Word becomes flesh and tabernacles among us. It’s no accident that John uses the same language in John 1.

But the tabernacle is not complete until the “glory of the LORD” fills the tabernacle. You see, that’s when the tabernacle becomes more than a bunch of stuff thrown together. It becomes the dwelling place for the LORD among His people.

The book of Exodus is driving toward this one goal: the LORD’s presence with His people, bringing them out of captivity and leading them to the land He promised. They will be His seghola, His treasured possession, a kingdom of priests, representing Him to the world.

Sounds somewhat familiar, doesn’t it? For those of us who have trusted in Him, the LORD has brought us out of captivity to sin and is leading us to the kingdom, while His presence goes with us as we trek down Torah Road together. Just like with Israel, it’s not a me-thing, but a we-thing. The Church as the Body of Christ, the Tabernacle of His Spirit.

The Church isn’t one of us. It’s all of us. Generously bringing the full weight of the resources the LORD has entrusted to us to bear in serving the body, where the LORD dwells among us in a special way.

That’s, of course, if you are a part of the body, the Church. And that’s only true of you if you have trusted in Jesus. You can do that today. It starts with recognizing that you are a sinner in need of a Savior and believing that Jesus is the Savior whom God promised. He lived a perfect life and died a sacrificial death. He was raised to life on the third day, proving that He had conquered both sin and death, so that by believing in Him, we can be saved—not because of anything that we have done, but because of what Jesus did. The Innocent who died for the guilty so that the guilty could be declared innocent.

pro rege

This post is based on a sermon from our Exodus series. Download the podcast at: Central Christian Church Main Service, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X or Threads: @ccclancaster. You can also download our Central Christian app in the iTunes App Store.

April 20, 2026

Where is Your Treasure?

Luke 12:13–34

Where is your treasure? What captures your heart? What consumes your time? What gets you up in the morning or keeps you up at night? Is it on earth or in heaven?

If greed says, “I can never get enough”, worry says, “I’m afraid I may not have enough.” Both reveal a wrong view of God. Greed is short-sighted and turns our stuff into idols. Always wanting more, we think our stuff will give us life. When we do that, we forget or ignore that life is so much more than the things we have or the achievements we’ve accomplished. Life, true life, can only be found in our relationship with Jesus…the way, the truth, and the Life.

Worry is similar but different. It’s constantly asking, “But what if…” It’s a failure to trust God to provide. Instead of seeing Him as a loving Father who gives good gifts to His kids, He is a distant God who is unconcerned about the day-to-day of life on the earth He created. The weeds that choke out the Word in the parable of the soils are worries, riches, and pleasures of this life…worry and greed. Both keep the Word from being productive in a believer’s life.

But there is an alternative… if we want to live and love like Jesus, we need to trust God rather than our stuff. We have to believe that God is a loving Father who cares for us and what’s happening in our lives. We have to trust that He can and will provide as we pursue Him and look out for others’ needs. Then we can be generous rather than greedy, helping rather than hoarding. If we want to worry less, then give more. Remember, generosity is not about the amount, but the heart attitude when we give or serve. It’s seeing those things as acts of worship.

Don’t be a fool. One day, your life will be required of you. If your life reflects greediness and selfishness, if it’s the sum total of the stuff you’ve accumulated, if you’re trusting in your stuff, then you will be sadly disappointed. But if your life is rich toward God, if you’ve invested in His kingdom and loved people, if you’ve trusted in Jesus and allowed Him to transform you from the inside out, then yours is the kingdom.

pro rege

This post is based on our Quarterly Update sermon. Download the podcast at: Central Christian Church Main Service, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X or Threads: @ccclancaster. You can also download our Central Christian app in the iTunes App Store.

April 13, 2026

Mount Sinai and the Ten Commandments

Exodus 19–20

Three months after the LORD brings the sons of Israel out of Egypt, they arrive at the foot of Mount Sinai, where they will have a terrifying encounter with the LORD and begin receiving the Law, starting with the ten words.

The LORD has great plans for Israel. His treasured possession. A kingdom of priests and a holy nation. If only they would listen to His voice and keep His covenant. If only… And yet the LORD is faithful and will accomplish His purposes despite their unfaithfulness. In fact, the Law is given, not to make them righteous, but to highlight their need for the LORD’s mercy. Their need for a Savior.

The Law can’t make anyone righteous. It never could. It can only reveal our lack of true righteousness. Our need for Someone to bridge the gap. Our need for Someone to save us because we cannot save ourselves.

So, Jesus will come. He will fulfill the Law because He is truly righteous. And because He is truly righteous, because He is innocent, He is the only One who didn’t deserve the punishment of death. Yet He will willingly die for our sins, the perfect sacrifice, so that the penalty for our sin can be taken care of and we can then share His righteousness. That’s, of course, if you have trusted in Jesus.

You can do that today. It starts with recognizing that you are a sinner in need of a Savior and believing that Jesus is the Savior whom God promised. He lived a perfect life and died a sacrificial death. He was raised to life on the third day, proving that He had conquered both sin and death, so that by believing in Him, you can be saved—not because of anything that you have done, but because of what Jesus did. The Innocent who died for the guilty so that the guilty could be declared innocent.

pro rege

This post is based on a sermon from our Exodus series. Download the podcast at: Central Christian Church Main Service, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X or Threads: @ccclancaster. You can also download our Central Christian app in the iTunes App Store.

February 23, 2026

Setting Aside the Firstborn

Exodus 13

Passover is such a defining moment in Israel’s history that it not only resets the calendar but is also celebrated at the Feast of Unleavened Bread and memorialized in the consecration of the firstborn. Lots of symbolism that points forward to and is fulfilled in Jesus. The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

It’s an event to be passed down and explained from father to son from generation to generation. The faith of the father that becomes the faith of the son. Sounds a lot like what we are supposed to be doing, right? Passing down the faith to the next generation. Transforming families to live and love like Jesus. Not necessarily easy, but extremely important. And something we can and should all do. It just takes time and intentionality.

Here’s the good news. It’s not something we do alone. It’s something we should do together. And it’s something we do in tandem with the Spirit. As He guides and directs, and as we make ourselves available to Him. That’s what I love about the pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire. Day and night, the LORD’s presence was right there with the Israelites to guide them in the way they were to go. Lamp to my feet and a light to my path. As we follow the LORD’s leading, He will show us the way. And then we can lead others.

But it starts with faith. Recognizing that you are a sinner in need of a Savior and believing that Jesus is the Savior whom God promised. He lived a perfect life and died a sacrificial death. He was raised to life on the third day, proving that He had conquered both sin and death, so that by believing in Him, we can be saved—not because of anything that we have done, but because of what Jesus did. The Innocent who died for the guilty so that the guilty could be declared innocent.

pro rege

This post is based on a sermon from our Exodus series. Download the podcast at: Central Christian Church Main Service, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X or Threads: @ccclancaster. You can also download our Central Christian app in the iTunes App Store.

January 26, 2026

Locusts and Darkness

Exodus 10–11

Two more plagues, with the last one looming on the horizon. And still Pharaoh’s heart is hardened. Even as his kingdom lies in ruins, he still refuses to let the Israelites go.

The LORD will use Pharaoh’s obstinacy, his hardheartedness, his pride to demonstrate His power and to make His name known, so that not only the sons of Israel, but also all the world may know that the LORD, He and He alone, is God. There is none like Him. Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness and faithfulness, relenting of evil, forgiving of iniquity, transgression, and sin, mighty to save, but by no means leaving the guilty unpunished.

For those who have trusted in the LORD, who have responded to His mercy, that’s great news. Forgiveness of sins. Eternal life. The kingdom awaits. But for those who have not trusted in Him, who like Pharaoh have rejected His mercy because of hardheartedness, well, that’s a different story. Judgment. Wrath. Death. Forever separated from God and all that’s good. Not the option you want to take.

And you don’t have to. You don’t have to harden your heart. You can respond to God’s mercy with repentance. It’s as simple as recognizing that you are a sinner in need of a Savior and believing that Jesus is the Savior whom God promised. He lived a perfect life and died a sacrificial death. He was raised to life on the third day, proving that He had conquered both sin and death, so that by believing in Him, we can be saved—not because of anything that we have done, but because of what Jesus did. The Innocent who died for the guilty so that the guilty could be declared innocent.

pro rege

This post is based on a sermon from our Exodus series. Download the podcast at: Central Christian Church Main Service, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X or Threads: @ccclancaster. You can also download our Central Christian app in the iTunes App Store.

January 5, 2026

Reflect and Resolve: Put Off the Old, Put On the New

Ephesians 4:17–32

The Ephesians are not to live as they did before Christ, but to live as members of the Body of Christ, pursuing greater knowledge of Him through the Scriptures and unity with one another. So are we.

We are not who we were. We were dead, but now we are alive. We were lost, but now we are found. Darkened in our understanding, but now our hearts have been enlightened with the true knowledge of Him. Far off, but brought near. Without hope and without God, but now a living hope and members of God’s household. Fellow citizens. Fellow heirs. Fellow members of the Body. Fellow sharers of the promise. With access to the Father and the unfathomable riches of Christ.

Knowing these things can and should impact the way we live our lives. That’s why spending time in God’s Word is so incredibly important. It helps us to understand who God is, who we are, and what He requires from us. So, we are no longer to live like we used to. We are to live like who we are in Christ.

That assumes, of course, that you have already trusted in Jesus. But if you haven’t yet, you can today. It’s as simple as recognizing that you are a sinner in need of a Savior. Believing that Jesus is the Savior that God promised. He lived a perfect life. He died a sacrificial death on your behalf and was raised the third day, conquering both sin and death, so that by faith in Jesus you can have forgiveness of sins and eternal life and can now be a part of this thing called the Church.

For the rest, let me challenge you, if you haven’t already, to spend some time over the next week or so reflecting. Ask yourself the tough questions: What lessons have I learned this past year, both good and bad? Where is my relationship with the LORD? What about my family and friends? Favorite memories? Greatest accomplishments? Biggest disappointments? And where have I used the resources the LORD has entrusted to me to serve?

And then resolve…what do I want to do better? How can I grow in my relationships with the LORD and others? How can I be more intentional? How will I challenge myself this year? What will I do to finish strong? What is my part? Where can I use the resources the LORD has entrusted me to serve? Maybe start by making reading your Bible and committing to prayer a daily habit, joining a small group, finding a place to serve, sharing your story with someone at school, work, home, or in your neighborhood who doesn’t yet know Jesus, and living a generous life…

pro rege

This post is based on a sermon from our January series: Reflect and Resolve. Download the podcast at: Central Christian Church Main Service, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X or Threads: @ccclancaster. You can also download our Central Christian app in the iTunes App Store.

December 29, 2025

Reflect and Resolve: Equipping the Saints

Ephesians 4:1–16

We all have a part to play in preserving unity. Not just some of us…all of us. But within this unity, there is diversity. We all have to work together for the mutual building up of the body, the Church. Equipping the saints for works of ministry, each of us doing our part.

So, whatever the talent, resource, gift, experience, passion, or personality the LORD has entrusted you with, we need you. We will only reach our full potential as a Body when each member does their part to build it up. If you are not currently serving, find a place to plug in and serve.

This passage always reminds me of when my son Jack and I decided to try taekwondo. On the first day we entered the dojo, aka the YMCA, it was clear that the goal was for us to become black belts. Even though there were a number of them present, the sensei didn’t consider his job done until we all crossed the finish line and mastered the art. The idea in this passage is very similar…it’s not about one of us making it to maturity. The job’s not done until we all attain to the unity of the faith… 

That’s, of course, if you have trusted in Jesus. But if you haven’t yet, you can do so today. It’s as simple as recognizing that you are a sinner in need of a Savior. Believing that Jesus is the Savior that God promised. He lived a perfect life. He died a sacrificial death on your behalf and was raised the third day, conquering both sin and death, so that by faith in Jesus you can have forgiveness of sins and eternal life.

For the rest, let me challenge you to spend some time over the next couple of days reflecting. Ask yourself the tough questions: What lessons have I learned this past year, both good and bad? Where is my relationship with the LORD? What about my family and friends? Favorite memories? Greatest accomplishments? Biggest disappointments? And where have you used the resources the LORD has entrusted to you to serve?

And then resolve…what do I want to do better? How can I grow in my relationships with the LORD and others? How can I be more intentional? How will I challenge myself this year? What will I do to finish strong? What is my part? Where can I use the resources the LORD has entrusted me to serve? Maybe start by making reading your Bible and committing to prayer a daily habit, joining a small group, finding a place to serve, sharing your story with someone at school, work, home, or in your neighborhood who doesn’t yet know Jesus, and living a generous life…

pro rege

This post is based on a sermon from our January series: Reflect and Resolve. Download the podcast at: Central Christian Church Main Service, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X or Threads: @ccclancaster. You can also download our Central Christian app in the iTunes App Store.

December 6, 2025

Frogs, Gnats, and Flies

Exodus 8 (Hebrew 7:26–8:28)

Three more plagues. The LORD continues His work to bring Israel out of Egypt.

A pattern we will see repeated throughout the plagues: The LORD makes the request and warns of the consequences of refusal. Pharaoh refuses anyway. The LORD brings judgment through a plague. Pharaoh and his people suffer the consequences. He asks Moses to plead to the LORD for him. The LORD relents. And Pharaoh’s heart is hardened. (Request. Warning. Refusal. Judgment. Plea for mercy. Relief. Hardened heart.) Pharaoh’s continued response to the LORD’s mercy is hardheartedness. A continual turning away.

Again, I’m struck by the LORD’s mercy. Pharaoh certainly doesn’t deserve it. Neither do the Israelites. And frankly, neither do we. And yet, the LORD is merciful. The question is, how will we respond to His mercy? “The people believed, and when they heard that the LORD was concerned about them and that He had seen their affliction, then they bowed low and worshiped.” Pharaoh hardened his heart. The people believed and were saved. Pharaoh didn’t and was not.

How will you respond to His mercy? The good news is—anyone can be saved. Not everyone will be, but anyone can be. It’s as simple as recognizing that you are a sinner in need of a Savior and believing that Jesus is the Savior whom God promised. He lived a perfect life and died a sacrificial death. He was raised to life on the third day, proving that He had conquered both sin and death, so that by believing in Him, we can be saved—not because of anything that we have done, but because of what Jesus did. The Innocent who died for the guilty so that the guilty could be declared innocent.

pro rege

This post is based on a sermon from our Exodus series. Download the podcast at: Central Christian Church Main Service, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X or Threads: @ccclancaster. You can also download our Central Christian app in the iTunes App Store.